Depending on the variety, the right time to harvest potatoes is generally 85–95 days or 100–120 days after planting (usually January to March). Early varieties, however, can be lifted in 70–80 days. Remember that if you harvest on a sunny day while the soil is dry, 2–3 weeks after the plants have died, the skins harden and the potatoes can be stored for a long time.

• Plant condition: when the potato plants have died completely, turned yellow or brown and collapsed onto the soil, it is time to harvest.
• Firm skins: waiting 2–3 weeks after the plants die lets the skins harden, which is essential for storage.
• Soil condition: potatoes should be lifted while the soil is dry. Lifting them from wet soil brings a risk of rot.
• Choosing the day: do not harvest on foggy or cloudy days. The morning of a bright, sunny day is best.
• Cutting the haulm: cutting the above-ground part of the plants 7–10 days before harvest toughens the skins.

Dig the soil carefully, taking care that the potatoes are not cut by the spade or plough.

Make sure the potatoes are not cut or bruised during harvest. After lifting, it is better to dry them in the shade rather than leave them in the sun, and they should be moved home or to a safe place as quickly as possible.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.